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Preview Tue Apr 16 2013
No Farewell for Hem
A fan of any band who names an album Departure & Farewell after a 7-year break that was rife with rumors of intra-band tension would have a good reason to be skeptical about what that band's future holds. Browsing the tracklisting and noticing it starts out with a title track, "Walking Past the Graveyard, Not Breathing" and "Things Are Not Perfect In Our Yard" bookended with "Last Call" and "So Long" probably wouldn't instill much confidence either.
Luckily, though, Hem isn't going anywhere for now (at least, hopefully, not before Friday). On their latest, the band weaves chamber-pop and gospel into their airy yet lush folk that sounds like it was made deep in Appalachia rather than Brooklyn. Songs like "Tourniquet" and "Gently Down the Stream" showcase some of the best of Hem with intricate guitar arrangements, rousing strings and Sarah Ellyson's divine vocals leading the way.
Hem headlines Old Town School of Folk Music's Maurer Concert Hall on Friday, the 19th. The show's $22 for the public, $20 for members and starts at 8PM. Dawn Landes opens. Old Town School of Folk Music is at 4544 N Lincoln.